Unsure what to pack for an adventure in Myanmar? This no-nonsense packing list removes the guesswork, leaving you free to enjoy this fascinating country
Mandalay Palace © Paul Arps
Though Myanmar has seen incredible changes in recent years, it’s important to note that you won’t find everything you’d expect at home and some things should not be taken for granted. This simple guide will help you pack accordingly, avoid problems, and have a stress-free trip.
Preparing For Your Trip To Myanmar
These are all essentials to organise well before you’re due to leave.
- Flight Ticket – Start to compare flights on a site like Skyscanner and book about three months ahead. You might be required to produce a return ticket at check-in, so keep print outs to hand.
- Accommodation – Prices and room availability is subject to change and, costs will be considerably cheaper if you book in advance. Booking.com will help you find the best prices.
- Passport – Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months and should have plenty of blank pages. A passport cover is handy to protect it from damage and to keep all your travel documents in one place.
- Do I Need A Visa For Myanmar? – You will almost certainly need a visa to visit Myanmar. The good news is that this can now be done online. The rules are strict – you must use the visa within 90 days and can only enter the country through certain routes – so be sure to read carefully.
- Bus And Ferry Tickets – If you’re planning to head away from the city, you will probably take the bus. Take a look at 12go.asia to see what’s available. You can check times and prices, as well as book tickets in advance.
- Debit and Credit Cards – Check with your bank to make sure your cards will work with an international ATM and won’t be blocked when used overseas. It’s a good idea to have access to internet banking too.
- Document Scans – Using your phone, take photos of your passport, credit cards, insurance, and any other documents, then save them to an online account like Gmail, along with backups of any crucial contacts. This way, you’ll have copies available via your phone or an internet connection in case of emergency.
- Vaccinations – At least 8 weeks before you travel, check with your doctor which vaccinations you’ll need. Along with the standard MMR-type immunisations, you’ll often require hepatitis A and B, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and possibly a polio booster.
- Face mask – COVID is still very active in many countries and you may be required to wear an SFP2 facemask on the plane and in some indoor spaces. It’s also a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser when you travel.
- Myanmar Guidebook – Despite the wealth of information online, a guidebook remains the most convenient introduction to a new country. Buy a guidebook a few months ahead so you can really get to know it. Lonely Planet Myanmar is my personal recommendation.
Travel Insurance For Myanmar
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
What Clothes To Pack For Myanmar
Though generally hot and tropical, Myanmar can be cool in higher regions, so include something warm to wrap around yourself. Pack according to whether you’re travelling in the dry or wet season. You can’t really go wrong if you think in terms of layers. See our full Holiday Packing List for Hot Weather.
Health And Grooming Items To Pack For Myanmar
While the country is devloping quickly, everything you’d expect at home is often not available in Myanmar. In addition to the suggestions below, having a well-stocked toiletries bag will make your trip much more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Prescription Medicines – Bring any prescription medicines you require, preferably in their original packaging.
- Other Medication – Carry some form of medication for diarrhoea like Imodium, in case of emergencies. If you have a senstive nose or suffer from any kind of pollen allergy, antihistamines are very cheap and can be bought online without prescription.
- Sunscreen – Always slather on plenty of sunscreen. Neutrogena SPF 45 Drytouch Sunscreen is water resistant up to 80 minutes, non-greasy and is absorbed instantly.
- Mosquito Repellent – Make sure you apply insect repellent first thing in the morning and just before the sun goes down. There are plenty of brands on Amazon. Something for mosquito bite relief and sunburn relief will make your experience more enjoyable, too.
- Refillable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated while travelling is also vital. Fill a sturdy bottle with safe water so you always have a refreshing drink available. The Nalgene OTF is recommended.
- Quick Dry Towel – Lightweight and compact, Sunland sells excellent towels that are small enough to fit into any luggage.
- Tissues – Keep a pack of tissues on hand for small emergencies. Hand sanitiser will stop you picking up any nasty germs.
- Moisturiser – Face moisturiser is wonderfully revitalising after a hard day on the road. For me, posh brands like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream feel a lot better than standard moisturisers.
- Ear Plugs – Ear plugs can be a lifesaver on long journeys or if you share a room with a snorer. Moldex ear plugs are excellent and very cheap too.
Electronics To Pack For Myanmar
- Plug Adaptors – You may encounter four completely different types of plug socket in Myanmar. There are two types of socket that take plugs with the German-style two round pins, the UK-style three-prong socket, and sockets that accept plugs with two small pins at the bottom and a fat pin at the top. The only sane solution is to use a universal power adaptor, preferably with surge protection. The CleverTrips Universal Travel Power Adaptor is a good example. The voltage is is 230V AC, compatible with most UK and European appliances, with a 50Hz standard frequency.
- Cellphone: If your current handset is locked, you can buy a cheap phone especially for the trip.
- Thai SIM Card – You can buy a Myanmar SIM card at Yangon Airport on arrival. This will be much, much cheaper than using the roaming tariff on your domestic contract. There are two main networks: Ooreedoo and MTP. MTP has the best coverage, working well in Yangon, Bagan and Mandalay, but it will get flakier as you move away from the major cities.
- Make sure you have a suitably rugged case. Otterbox provide some excellent Defender cases should be all the protection you need.
- You’ll also want a power bank to keep your phone charged while you’re out and about.
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones – A pair of noise-cancelling headphones are more expensive than earbuds but are worth the cost on long journeys or for blocking out your surrounds.
- Camera – If you’re planning to take a lot of photos, I’d recommend the Canon Powershot range which are compact, easy to use and cheap.
- Bring lots of memory cards and change them regularly. Also be sure to backup your images immediately.
- Kindle – A Kindle reader is a great way to kill time during the inevitable delay in places like airports. They’re light to carry but you won’t drain the battery on your phone.
- Chargers and Cables – Don’t forget to bring these!
Luggage For A Visit To Myanmar
- Backpack or Suitcase – Invest in a decent backpack like Osprey that will hold everything comfortably. Make sure the harness can take the load you’re carrying – the weight should be supported on your hips and not your shoulders. See Amazon for bargain priced backpacks.
- If you’re taking a suitcase, make sure it’s high-quality luggage that’s large enough to fit your gear and provide some extra space for anything you buy while you’re away.
- Include a small daypack for day-to-day essentials, once you’re dropped off your main luggage.
- Travel Cubes – If you’ve never used them before, travel cubes will change your life. By grouping all your clothes into three or four chunks, you can rapidly pack and unpack, rather than emptying everything out on the bed. Get different colours to tell them apart.
- Wash Bag – A sturdy, waterproof pack for toiletries is essential. Choose a well-designed one that lets you access only what you need. The Magictodoor travel kit is thoughtfully designed and inexpensive.
- Most airlines have a 100 mL limit on liquids, so pack large bottles into your checked luggage or transfer them into smaller containers before you pack your carry-on bag.
- Luggage Locks – These will keep your bags free from interference. If you are travelling via the USA, make sure they are TSA-approved locks.
- Travel Wallet – A quality travel wallet will keep your cash, credit cards and important items out of harm’s way. The Lewis N. Clark RFID Security Wallet is big enough to fit your passport and other essentials but still wear comfortably beneath your shirt.